Freeborn County commissioners approve routine contracts, licenses, hazard mitigation plan and personnel actions

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners approved a series of routine resolutions and personnel actions during its Feb. 17 meeting.

Contracts and licenses: The board approved 2026 contracts for the county’s drainage inspectors (contract duration through Dec. 31) and granted five county tobacco licenses for 2026. The auditor‑treasurer noted small corrections to contract documents and one applicant’s form that was corrected after review by the sheriff and county attorney.

Child‑support cooperative agreement: Human Services presented the required Cooperative Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families and an interoffice agreement with the sheriff and county attorney. County staff said the cooperative structure enables reimbursement of eligible child‑support expenditures at a 66.67% rate and that county child‑support collections typically total between about $4 million and $5 million annually; they estimated roughly $760,000 in state and federal reimbursement tied to the agreement. Commissioners approved the resolution.

Bridge agreement: Public Works presented a funding participation and construction agreement with Carlson Township for replacement of Bridge L‑5619 in the 2026 construction season. Carlson Township is responsible for a local share of about $20,000 per MnDOT state‑aid policy; the remainder will be covered from county town bridge funds and highway user tax funds. The board approved the agreement.

Hazard Mitigation Plan: Sheriff’s Office staff presented the completed 2025 Freeborn County Hazard Mitigation Plan, developed with the University of Minnesota U‑Spatial and community input; the plan is required for eligibility for federal mitigation grants (HMGP, FMA). The board adopted the 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan by resolution.

Personnel actions and claims: The county accepted resignations (employee #1222; Shian King, accounting specialist DHS, effective 02/25/2026), approved filling a vacant DHS accounting specialist position, and accepted the retirement of Andrea Maurer, social worker for CVCC effective 03/13/2026. Commissioners also approved claims that included a vendor switch expected to save about $20,000 annually, a $3,717 regional media/cannabis‑campaign contribution, a $10,972.45 payment for records‑request software, and the second installment of a $32,234 crane replacement payment.

Voting: The resolutions reported during the meeting were moved, seconded and approved by the commissioners present; roll calls were recorded for those items. The meeting record shows unanimous approval among the commissioners in attendance on the items presented.

Next steps: Most items were routine approvals or informational presentations; the Community Health Assessment presentation will lead to follow‑up work groups and a future Community Health Improvement Plan. The board scheduled its next regular meeting for March 3 at 08:30 in the boardroom.